JP2004233576A - Heat developing system, heat developing method, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a heat developing system which makes it possible to obtain an adequate density gradation characteristic, a heat developing method and a program. <P>SOLUTION: The heat developing system has an exposure means 120 for forming an image based on image data for calibration or diagnostic image data, a heat developing means 130 for developing the image data to a visible image by a heating and conveying section, a measuring means 200 for measuring the density of a film, a calibration means 350 for forming an LUT to coordinate the diagnostic image data and the light quantity level of the exposure means based on the image data for calibration and the result of the density measurement of the image, a counting means 500 for counting the number of sheets with which image formation is executed per the prescribed time and a control means 400 for controlling the respective means. The control means 400 prohibits the formation of the LUT in the calibration means for the predetermined prescribed time when the image formation of the predetermined number of sheets or over per the prescribed time is executed. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a heat development apparatus, a heat development method, and a program, and more particularly, to a heat development apparatus, a heat development method, and a program that can make a film having an appropriate density when a medical diagnostic image is formed on a film.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Since a medical laser imager expresses a diagnostic image in shades of gray, there is an extremely strong demand for a basic function of always outputting density stably. Also, when photographing / printing the front, side, and lumbar vertebrae on the chest, several images of a patient, such as front, side, lateral anteflexion, lateral posterior flexion, etc., are continuously taken up to around four images. There is a feature that there are many usage methods.
[0003]
Such a medical laser imager is provided with a so-called calibration function for controlling an image forming portion so that a digital VIDEO signal (designated density signal) sent from each modality has a constant density on a film. .
[0004]
However, a fixed density is obtained immediately after performing the calibration, but the density fluctuates due to various factors with the lapse of time after the calibration. In particular, it is known that the heat development process tends to fluctuate.
[0005]
For example,
(1) Exposure system fluctuation due to environmental temperature (2) Thermal development characteristic fluctuation due to film processing (3) Sensitivity characteristic fluctuation of film stored in machine (4) Thermal development drum characteristic change (5) Thermal development characteristic Of these variations, variations such as (1) and (2) can be predicted to some extent by monitoring the temperature inside the machine, and the degree of influence on the density variation can be predicted to some extent, and corrected as feedforward (FF) to keep the finished density constant It is possible. On the other hand, since fluctuations such as (3), (4), and (5) are difficult to predict in advance, the finished concentration affected by the overall including (3), (4), and (5) was measured. A so-called patch density FB method that applies feedback (FB) correction to subsequent prints may be used.
[0006]
In this method, a rectangular area of about 5 × 10 mm is exposed to a predetermined portion of a film with a predetermined light amount, the finished density of this area is measured, and the difference from the density that can be obtained originally (hereinafter referred to as a comparative density) is obtained. Based on the above, the exposure amount and / or the heat release condition are varied in order to optimize the density of the subsequent print.
[0007]
Therefore, if the setting of the density value for comparison is wrong, the correction system judges that the process system is inappropriate and changes the condition of the process system even though the process system reproduces an appropriate image (density). This will result in a decrease and an increase in concentration.
[0008]
Further, since the exposure system and the heat development system include a variation element for each apparatus, it is not preferable to set the comparative density value to a uniform value.
[0009]
In a medical laser imager using a thermal development method, a calibration function and patch density control are used in combination to stabilize gradation and absolute density in many cases.
[0010]
By the way, since the heating drum for thermal development has a planar heater attached to the inner peripheral surface of the cylindrical aluminum tube, a seam (part where the heater does not exist) is inevitably formed during processing, and the temperature is uneven in the circumferential direction. Part exists. In some cases, a heater seam may be formed in the longitudinal direction of the drum. In order to make the drum surface temperature corresponding to the portion where the heater is not provided as close as possible to the other portion, the heater density (also called Watt density) near the joint of the heater may be higher than the other portion. In the heater control, when the film is conveyed, heat is taken by the film from the drum surface as the film passes, and it is necessary to compensate for the taken heat. For this reason, usually, a sensor is provided on the inner peripheral surface or the outer peripheral surface of the drum, and ON / OFF control of the heater is performed in accordance with the output of the sensor.
[0011]
This ON / OFF control is also performed during standby for film processing, during which time the temperature falls within a predetermined temperature fluctuation range (there is hunting but the hunting width is small. For example, the drum temperature is within 1 ° C). Although there is no effect on the density, as the film is continuously processed, the hunting width increases (greater than 1.5 ° C.) and the density effect begins to occur.
[0012]
Further, overshoot and undershoot may occur depending on the timing of the end of the film processing and the timing of the heater control. For example, when the heater is turned ON for the control at the moment when the film processing is stopped, in this case, the control is in the control mode for supplying heat for a large amount of film processing (continuous processing). Will occur. When the calibration is performed in this state, only the wedge pattern portion developed on the drum surface corresponding to the seam portion of the temperature abnormality among the calibration step wedges has the density abnormality. Further, even when the heaters are superimposed to avoid a heater seam, a temperature abnormality is likely to occur on the drum surface corresponding to the superimposed portion. Since a calib LUT is created based on the measured value of the abnormal density portion so as to cancel it, when the diagnostic image is printed using this calib LUT, the proper density gradation Cannot be obtained, which adversely affects the diagnosis.
[0013]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Therefore, the present invention provides a thermal developing apparatus, a thermal developing method, and a program that can obtain an image having a stable density even when a heating drum heated by a planar heater is used. The task is to
[0014]
Other objects of the present invention will become apparent from the following description.
[0015]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The above object is achieved by the following inventions.
[0016]
(Claim 1) Exposure means for forming an image as a latent image on a film based on calibration image data or diagnostic image data,
A heat developing unit that develops and visualizes the image exposed by the exposure unit by a heating and conveying unit that heats and conveys the film by the heater,
Measuring means for measuring the density of the developed film;
A calibration unit that creates an LUT that associates diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure unit based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
Counting means for counting the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed per predetermined time;
Control means for controlling each of the means,
When the control means executes image formation of a predetermined number or more per predetermined time based on the counting means, the calibration means prohibits LUT creation in the calibration means for a predetermined time. Developing device.
[0017]
(Claim 2) Exposure means for forming an image as a latent image on a film based on image data for calibration or diagnostic image data;
A heat developing unit that develops and visualizes the image exposed by the exposure unit by a heating and conveying unit that heats and conveys the film by the heater,
Measuring means for measuring the density of the developed film;
A calibration unit that creates an LUT that associates diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure unit based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heating drum,
Control means for controlling each of the means,
The thermal developing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the calibration unit from creating an LUT when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is not within a predetermined temperature range.
[0018]
(Claim 3) When forming an image based on the diagnostic image data, a part of the film forming the diagnostic image is exposed at a predetermined exposure amount or an exposure amount corresponding to a density specified via an LUT, and the measured density is measured. 3. A thermal developing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correcting means for correcting the exposure means and / or the developing means so as to optimize the density of the film to be printed subsequently based on the result of the value.
[0019]
(4) The thermal developing device according to (2) or (3), wherein the temperature detecting means is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the drum.
[0020]
(5) The thermal developing apparatus according to (2) or (3), wherein the temperature detecting means is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the drum.
[0021]
(Claim 6) An exposure step of forming an image as a latent image on a film based on calibration image data or diagnostic image data,
A heat development step of developing and visualizing the image exposed in the exposure step by a heating and transporting unit that heats and transports the film with a heater,
A measuring step of measuring the density of the developed film,
A calibration step of creating an LUT for associating diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure step based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
A counting step of counting the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed per predetermined time,
And a control step of controlling each of the steps,
In the control step, when image formation is performed for a predetermined number of sheets or more per predetermined time based on the counting step, LUT creation is prohibited in the calibration step for a predetermined predetermined time. Development method.
[0022]
(Claim 7) An exposure step of forming an image as a latent image on a film based on calibration image data or diagnostic image data;
A heat development step of developing and visualizing the image exposed in the exposure step by a heating and transporting unit that heats and transports the film with a heater,
A measuring step of measuring the density of the developed film,
A calibration step of creating an LUT for associating diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure step based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
A temperature detection step of detecting a heating drum temperature,
And a control step of controlling each of the steps,
The thermal developing method, wherein the control step prohibits the creation of an LUT in the calibration step when the temperature detected in the temperature detection step is not within a predetermined temperature range.
[0023]
(8) When an image is formed based on diagnostic image data, a part of a film forming the diagnostic image is exposed at a predetermined exposure amount or an exposure amount corresponding to a density specified via an LUT, and the measured density is measured. 8. The heat development method according to claim 6, further comprising a correction step of correcting an exposure step and / or a development step so that the density of a film to be printed thereafter is optimized based on the result of the value.
[0024]
(9) A program for causing a computer to execute the heat development method according to any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein the program is stored in a heat development device.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a front view showing a main part of a heat developing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a control system of the heat developing apparatus of FIG. 1, and FIG. It is a figure which shows the exposure part of an apparatus schematically.
[0027]
As shown in FIG. 1, a thermal developing apparatus 100 includes first and second loading units 11 and 12 for loading a package formed by barging a predetermined number of sheets of film as a photothermographic material in sheet form, and one film. A supply unit 110 having a supply unit 90 for transporting and supplying the latent image, and an exposure unit 120 for exposing a film fed from the supply unit 110 to form a latent image, and a latent image formed. The image forming apparatus includes a developing unit 130 (also referred to as a heating and conveying unit 130) that thermally develops the film, and a densitometer 200 that measures the density of the developed film to obtain density information. The film is conveyed one by one from the first and second loading units 11 and 12 of the supply unit 110 by the supply unit 90 and the conveyance roller pairs 39, 41 and 141 in the direction of the arrow (1) in FIG. I have.
[0028]
As shown in FIG. 2, the thermal developing apparatus 100 includes a control unit 99 for controlling the supply unit 110, the exposure unit 120, the developing unit 130, the densitometer 200, and the like. Is received for controlling the entire apparatus.
[0029]
Next, the exposure section 120 of the thermal developing apparatus 100 will be described with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the exposure unit 120 directs the laser light L of a predetermined wavelength within the wavelength range of 780 to 860 nm, which is intensity-modulated based on the image signal S, by the rotating polygon mirror 113 and mainly on the film F. Scanning and sub-scanning by relatively moving the film F relative to the laser light L in a substantially horizontal direction that is substantially perpendicular to the main scanning direction, and forming a latent image on the film F using the laser light L Is what you do.
[0030]
A more specific configuration of the exposure unit 120 will be described below. In FIG. 2, when receiving an image signal S which is a digital signal output from an image signal output device 121, the image signal S is converted into an analog signal in a D / A converter 122 and input to a modulation circuit 123. The modulation circuit 123 controls the driver 124 of the laser light source unit 110a based on the analog signal so that the modulated laser light L is emitted from the laser light source unit 110a. Further, the high-frequency superimposing unit 118 superimposes a high-frequency component on the laser light via the modulation circuit 123 and the driver 124 to prevent formation of interference fringes on the film.
[0031]
An acousto-optic modulator 88 is arranged between the lens 112 of the exposure unit 120 and the laser light source unit 110a. The acousto-optic modulator 88 is controlled and driven by an acousto-optic modulation (AOM) driver 89 based on a signal from a correction unit 300 for adjusting the modulation amount. The correction unit 300 controls the acousto-optic modulation element 88 via the AOM driver 89 based on the correction signal from the control unit 99 so that the optimal modulation amount (the ratio of the outgoing light amount to the incident light amount) is obtained at the time of exposure.
[0032]
Next, after passing through the lens 112, the laser light L emitted from the laser light source unit 110a and having the light amount appropriately adjusted by the acousto-optic modulation element 88 is converged only in the vertical direction by the cylindrical lens 115, and as shown in FIG. The light is incident on the rotary polygon mirror 113 rotating in the direction of arrow A as a line image perpendicular to the drive shaft. The rotary polygon mirror 113 reflects and deflects the laser light L in the main scanning direction. After the deflected laser light L passes through an fθ lens 114 including a cylindrical lens formed by combining four lenses, the laser light L is focused on the optical path. The light is reflected by a mirror 116 provided extending in the direction, and is repeatedly moved in the arrow X direction on the scanned surface 117 of the film F which is being transported (sub-scanned) in the arrow Y direction by the transport device 142. Main scanning is performed. As a result, the laser beam L scans over the entire surface to be scanned 117 on the film F.
[0033]
The cylindrical lens of the fθ lens 114 converges the incident laser light L on the surface to be scanned of the film F only in the sub-scanning direction, and the distance from the fθ lens 114 to the surface to be scanned of the film F Is equal to the focal length of the entire fθ lens 114. As described above, the exposure unit 120 is provided with the cylindrical lens 115 and the fθ lens 114 including the cylindrical lens, so that the laser light L is once converged on the rotary polygon mirror 113 only in the sub-scanning direction. Therefore, even if the rotary polygon mirror 113 is tilted or deviated, the scanning position of the laser beam L is not shifted in the sub-scanning direction on the surface to be scanned of the film F, and scanning lines of equal pitch are formed. You can do it. The rotating polygon mirror 113 has an advantage that it is superior in scanning stability to other optical polarizers such as a galvanometer mirror. As described above, a latent image based on the image signal S is formed on the film F.
[0034]
Next, the heating and transporting unit 130 and the cooling and transporting unit 150 of the thermal developing device of FIG. 1 will be described. As shown in FIG. 3, the heating and transporting unit 130 includes a drum 14 that can heat the film F while holding the film F on the outer periphery, and a plurality of rolls 16 that hold the film between the drum 14 and the drum 16. The drum 14 includes a heater (not shown) therein, and thermally develops the film F by maintaining the film F at a temperature equal to or higher than a predetermined minimum heat development temperature (for example, about 110 ° C.) for a predetermined heat development time. Thus, the latent image formed on the film F by the exposure unit 120 is formed as a visible image. The heater of the drum 14 is controlled by the control unit 99 shown in FIG. 2, and the density can be adjusted by changing the temperature of the heater and the developing temperature.
[0035]
Further, on the left side of the thermal developing unit 130, a cooling transport unit 150 that includes a plurality of pairs of transport rollers 144 and a densitometer 200 and cools a heated film is provided. The film F separated from the heating drum 14 is cooled while being conveyed obliquely downward to the left as shown by the arrow (3) in FIG. Then, while the transport roller pair 144 transports the cooled film F, the densitometer 200 measures the density of the film F. Thereafter, the plurality of transport roller pairs 144 are provided at the upper right part of the heat developing device 100 so that the film F can be further transported as shown by an arrow (4) in FIG. The sheet is discharged to the discharge tray 160.
[0036]
Here, the heating transport unit 130 will be described in more detail.
[0037]
FIG. 4 and FIG. 5 are views for explaining the heating and conveying unit 130 of the present invention.
[0038]
As shown in FIG. 4, the heating / transporting section 130 includes a heater 13 inside a cylindrical drum 14 (see FIG. 1). The heater 13 provided inside preferably changes the heat generation density (Watt density) at the end (seam portion) of the heater. For example, as shown in FIG. 5, it is preferable to include four parts having different heat densities, ie, part A, part B, part C, and part D. This is because the temperature of the drum 14 (see FIG. 1) can be stabilized by changing the heat generation density, and the development accuracy of the film can be increased.
[0039]
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing how the drum temperature changes when the temperature on the heater surface is the same over the entire surface. FIG. 7 shows the drum temperature when the temperature on the heater surface is partially changed. It is a figure showing a situation of change.
[0040]
The drum temperature shown in FIG. 6 indicates that the hunting width is large and the drum temperature is not stable. On the other hand, the drum temperature shown in FIG. 7 indicates that the hunting width is small and the drum temperature is stable. Thus, it can be seen that the drum temperature is stabilized by changing the heat generation density at the end of the heater.
[0041]
Next, the function that is a feature of the present invention using the heat developing apparatus of FIG. 1 will be described below in two aspects. Such a function is realized by being controlled by a software program (program) previously stored in a predetermined storage device such as a flash ROM (not shown) in the heat developing device. The heat development device of the present invention includes a microcomputer (computer) including a CPU (not shown) therein, and the following functions are executed by processing the program by the computer.
[0042]
(First aspect)
FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the first embodiment of the heat developing apparatus for carrying out the heat developing method of the present invention, and FIG. 9 explains the processing by the heat developing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for performing the operation.
[0043]
As shown in FIG. 8, the heat developing apparatus of the present invention includes an exposure unit 120 for performing an exposure process, a heat development unit 130 for performing a heat development process, a measurement unit 200 for performing a measurement process, It comprises a calibration means 350 for performing a calibration step, a control means 400 for performing a control step, and a counting means 500 for performing a counting step.
[0044]
As shown in FIG. 9, the exposure unit 120 performs exposure based on the image data for calibration (also referred to as a calib image), and the heat development unit 130 develops and visualizes the exposed image (S1). Specifically, the film is exposed based on image data (image data for calibration) different from the image data for diagnosis, and the exposed image is heated and conveyed by the heating and conveying unit 130 to visualize development.
[0045]
Next, the measurement unit 200 measures the density of the film on which the calib image is formed (S2). The calib image is an image including an image that has been exposed and developed with image signals of various gradations. In the measurement of the density by the measuring means 200, the density is measured in association with such a calib image.
[0046]
After the measurement in S2, the calibration unit 350 creates an LUT (lookup table) for associating the diagnostic image data with the light amount level of the exposure unit based on the measurement result of the calibrated image in the measurement unit 200 ( S3). The LUT can be created, for example, as a graph as shown in FIG. 10 in which image data and a light amount level are correlated.
[0047]
Next, the exposure unit 120 exposes the film based on the diagnostic image data (also referred to as a diagnostic image), and the heat developing unit 130 develops and visualizes the exposed image (S4).
[0048]
The counting means 500 counts the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed per predetermined time by counting the elapsed time and counting the number of sheets each time diagnostic image data is formed (S5). The timing of counting the number of sheets in the counting means 500 is not particularly limited, but it is preferable that the counting is performed when the film is transported in the heat developing unit 130.
[0049]
After the counting, the counting means 500 determines whether there is diagnostic image data to be exposed and developed next (S6), and if so, returns to the diagnostic image exposure and development processing of S4.
[0050]
On the other hand, if not present, it is determined whether or not calibration by the calibration means 350 is necessary (S7). If so, it is determined whether or not image formation of a predetermined number or more per a predetermined time counted is performed. It is determined with reference to the counting means 500 (S8), and if it is determined that the number of executions is equal to or greater than the predetermined number, the creation of the LUT is prohibited by the calibration means 350, and the predetermined time is set. After waiting until it is determined that the elapsed time has elapsed (S9), if it is determined that the predetermined number of sheets have not been executed, the process returns to S1 immediately.
[0051]
The predetermined number or more may be, for example, 20 or more in the case of a processing capacity of 120 sheets / hour or more in half cut size. Generally, when the hunting width is 1 ° C. or more, the influence of the density starts to appear. In this case, the hunting width becomes close to 1 ° C. by continuous processing of 20 or more sheets. In addition, when the processing speed is constant, the maximum processing capacity is not less than the predetermined number of sheets, but not less than the predetermined time, for example, when the processing capacity is 120 sheets / hour or more in half cut size, 10 minutes (60 minutes) When processing is performed with the maximum processing capacity for (× 20/120) or more, the generation of the LUT by the calibration means 350 is prohibited for a predetermined time. The predetermined time is not particularly limited, but in this case, for example, it is preferable to stop the calibrator for one minute or more.
[0052]
According to the present invention, an LUT is created by performing calibration on an image in which an abnormal development result can be obtained due to instability of a drum temperature occurring in a thermal developing device that performs thermal development using a planar heater. Therefore, it is possible to provide a thermal developing apparatus that can always obtain an image having a stable density without a problem of density abnormality caused by performing calibration based on abnormal data and creating an LUT.
[0053]
Further, in the present invention, it is considered that a correction unit (not shown) is preferable.
[0054]
The correction means, when forming an image based on the diagnostic image data, exposes a part of the film forming the diagnostic image with a predetermined exposure amount or an exposure amount corresponding to the density specified via the LUT, Based on the result, the exposure unit and the development unit are corrected so that the density of the film to be printed thereafter is optimized. The part of the film on which an image is formed is an area formed at the end of an image forming area F2 such as F1 in the film F shown in FIG. 11, and for example, an area of about 5 × 10 mm is used. The density measurement result of a part of the film is also called patch data. Specifically, the correction by the correction unit is performed by determining a predetermined comparison density value and then measuring the density of a partial area of the film exposed and developed with the diagnostic image data by the measurement unit 200. Then, correction is performed so as to cancel the deviation depending on how much the measured density value as the measurement result deviates from the comparative density value.
[0055]
In this way, even when correction is performed using patch data, patch data is always formed using an LUT created from normal data, so that stable image characteristics can always be obtained.
[0056]
(Second aspect)
FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the second embodiment of the heat developing apparatus for performing the heat developing method of the present invention, and FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the processing by the heat developing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart for performing the operation.
[0057]
As shown in FIG. 12, the heat developing device of the present invention includes an exposure unit 120 for performing an exposure process, a heat development unit 130 for performing a heat development process, a measurement unit 200 for performing a measurement process, A calibration unit 350 for performing a calibration step, a control unit 400 for performing a control step, and a temperature detection unit 600 for performing a temperature detection step are provided.
[0058]
A feature of the present invention resides in that when the temperature detected by the temperature detecting means for detecting the temperature of the thermal developing means is not within a predetermined temperature range, the calibration is prohibited within a predetermined time.
[0059]
As shown in FIG. 13, the exposure unit 120 performs exposure based on the image data for calibration (also referred to as a calib image), and the heat development unit 130 develops and visualizes the exposed image (S11). Specifically, the film is exposed based on image data (image data for calibration) different from the image data for diagnosis, and the exposed image is heated and conveyed by the heating and conveying unit 130 to visualize development.
[0060]
Next, the measurement unit 200 measures the density of the film on which the calib image is formed (S12). The calib image is an image including an image that has been exposed and developed with image signals of various gradations. In the measurement of the density by the measuring means 200, the density is measured in association with such a calib image.
[0061]
After the measurement in S12, the calibration means 350 creates an LUT (lookup table) for associating the diagnostic image data with the light level of the exposure means based on the measurement result of the calibrated image by the measurement means 200 ( S13).
[0062]
Next, the exposure unit 120 exposes the film based on the diagnostic image data (also referred to as a diagnostic image), and develops and visualizes the exposed image in the thermal developing unit 130 (S14).
[0063]
The temperature detecting means 600 detects the temperature of the heat developing means 130 each time diagnostic image data is formed (S15). Based on this detection result, the control value in the thermal developing unit 130 can be changed.
[0064]
When the temperature detecting means 600 is provided on the inner peripheral surface of the drum, it is preferable to prevent scratches caused by the film touching a sensor or the like during film processing.
[0065]
Further, when the temperature detecting means 600 is provided on the outer peripheral surface of the drum, it is possible to directly detect the temperature of the outer peripheral surface of the drum through which the film actually passes. Is preferred.
[0066]
After the temperature is detected by the temperature detecting means 600, it is determined whether there is diagnostic image data to be exposed and developed next (S16), and if so, the process returns to the diagnostic image exposure and development processing of S14. .
[0067]
On the other hand, if it does not exist, it is determined whether or not the calibration by the calibration means 350 is necessary (S17). If so, whether or not the temperature detected by the temperature detection means 600 is within a predetermined range. Is determined (S18), and if it is determined that the temperature is not within the predetermined temperature range, the creation of the LUT is prohibited by the calibration means 350, and the process waits until it is determined that a predetermined time has elapsed (S19). Later, or immediately when it is determined that the temperature is within the predetermined temperature range, the process returns to S1.
[0068]
If the creation of the LUT in the calibration means 350 is not prohibited, the hunting width and the hunting center temperature (average value of hunting fluctuation) of the detected temperature are within the temperature range during standby (state before film processing). Is preferred. For example, if the temperature range during standby is from 126 ° C. to 127 ° C., and if the hunting width and the hunting center temperature do not fall within the range from 126 ° C. to 127 ° C., the LUT generation by the calibration means 350 is performed. Ban.
[0069]
Also, in the present invention, the same correction means as described above can be provided.
[0070]
In addition to the effects of the first aspect, since the temperature can be directly measured, it is possible to provide a heat developing apparatus capable of more stably forming an image by more strictly eliminating abnormal data.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, there is provided a heat developing apparatus, a heat developing method, and a program which can obtain an image having a stable density even when a heating drum heated by a planar heater is used. Can be provided.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a front view of a main part showing one configuration example of a heat developing apparatus of the present invention. FIG. 2 is a view schematically showing an exposure section of the heat developing apparatus of FIG. 1. FIG. FIG. 4 is a front view of a main part showing a guide member arranged in the vicinity of the heating drum. FIG. 4 is a view for explaining a heating and conveying unit of the present invention. FIG. 5 shows a state where a heater of the heating and conveying unit of the present invention is developed. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a change in drum temperature when the temperature on the heater surface is the same over the entire surface. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a change in drum temperature when the temperature on the heater surface is partially changed. FIG. 8 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the first embodiment of the thermal developing apparatus for performing the thermal developing method of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the processing by the thermal developing apparatus shown in FIG. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing an example of an LUT. FIG. 11 is an image area of a film. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a partial region. FIG. 12 is a block diagram for explaining the function of the second embodiment of the heat developing apparatus for performing the heat developing method of the present invention. Flow diagram for explaining processing [Description of reference numerals]
Exposure means: 120
Thermal developing means: 130
Measuring means: 200
Calibration means: 350
Control means: 400
Counting means: 500
Temperature detection means: 600

Claims (9)

Exposure means for forming an image as a latent image on the film based on the calibration image data or the diagnostic image data,
A heat developing unit that develops and visualizes the image exposed by the exposure unit by a heating and conveying unit that heats and conveys the film by the heater,
Measuring means for measuring the density of the developed film;
A calibration unit that creates an LUT that associates diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure unit based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
Counting means for counting the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed per predetermined time;
Control means for controlling each of the means,
When the control means executes image formation of a predetermined number or more per predetermined time based on the counting means, the calibration means prohibits LUT creation in the calibration means for a predetermined time. Developing device. Exposure means for forming an image as a latent image on the film based on the calibration image data or the diagnostic image data,
A heat developing unit that develops and visualizes the image exposed by the exposure unit by a heating and conveying unit that heats and conveys the film by the heater,
Measuring means for measuring the density of the developed film;
A calibration unit that creates an LUT that associates diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure unit based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
Temperature detection means for detecting the temperature of the heating drum,
Control means for controlling each of the means,
The thermal developing device according to claim 1, wherein the control unit prohibits the calibration unit from creating an LUT when the temperature detected by the temperature detection unit is not within a predetermined temperature range. When forming an image based on the diagnostic image data, a part of the film forming the diagnostic image is exposed at a predetermined exposure amount or an exposure amount corresponding to the density specified via the LUT, and according to the result of the measured density value, 3. A thermal developing apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising a correcting means for correcting the exposure means and / or the developing means so that the density of the film to be printed thereafter is optimized. The heat developing device according to claim 2, wherein the temperature detecting unit is provided on an inner peripheral surface of the drum. The thermal developing device according to claim 2, wherein the temperature detecting unit is provided on an outer peripheral surface of the drum. Based on the calibration image data or diagnostic image data, an exposure step of forming an image as a latent image on the film,
A heat development step of developing and visualizing the image exposed in the exposure step by a heating and transporting unit that heats and transports the film with a heater,
A measuring step of measuring the density of the developed film,
A calibration step of creating an LUT for associating diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure step based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
A counting step of counting the number of sheets on which image formation has been performed per predetermined time,
And a control step of controlling each of the steps,
In the control step, when image formation is performed for a predetermined number of sheets or more per predetermined time based on the counting step, LUT creation is prohibited in the calibration step for a predetermined predetermined time. Development method. Based on the calibration image data or diagnostic image data, an exposure step of forming an image as a latent image on the film,
A heat development step of developing and visualizing the image exposed in the exposure step by a heating and transporting unit that heats and transports the film with a heater,
A measuring step of measuring the density of the developed film,
A calibration step of creating an LUT for associating diagnostic image data with a light amount level of an exposure step based on the calibration image data and a density measurement result of an image formed and developed based on the calibration image data; ,
A temperature detection step of detecting a heating drum temperature,
And a control step of controlling each of the steps,
The thermal developing method, wherein the control step prohibits the creation of an LUT in the calibration step when the temperature detected in the temperature detection step is not within a predetermined temperature range. When forming an image based on the diagnostic image data, a part of the film forming the diagnostic image is exposed at a predetermined exposure amount or an exposure amount corresponding to the density specified via the LUT, and according to the result of the measured density value, 8. The heat development method according to claim 6, further comprising a correction step of correcting an exposure step and / or a development step so that the density of a film to be printed thereafter is optimized. A program for causing a computer to execute the heat development method according to claim 6, wherein the program is stored in a heat development device.

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